Three Lions icon John Barnes has backed England to win their World Cup group "comfortably" - but expects a run to another final is unlikely.
Manager Gareth Southgate named his squad for the tournament last Thursday and the chosen 26 players will jet to Qatar this week ahead of next Monday's fixture against Iran. England also take on United States and Wales in Group B, so they will be confident of reaching the knockout stage.
The Three Lions were semi-finalists in Russia four-and-a-half years ago and went one better at Euro 2020, progressing to the final and falling just short against Italy. This trajectory would suggest England have a realistic chance of bringing the trophy home from the Middle East, but their recent form has diminished expectations.
